EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The Giants were rocked by the news that WR Steve Smith spurned their one-year contract offer to instead sign with the rival Eagles.

That leaves the Giants with no proven third receiver behind starters Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham.

The Giants were rocked by the news that WR Steve Smith spurned their one-year contract offer to instead sign with the rival Eagles. (AP Photo)

When healthy, Smith was a starter but after suffering cartilage damage in his knee last season Manningham took his spot.

The Giants will audition replacements for Smith this summer, with Domenik Hixon -- returning from knee surgery that cost him the entire 2011 season -- as the most experienced.

Victor Cruz and rookie Jerrel Jernigan are also candidates but neither has any experience in the NFL. Ramses Barden, entering his third year, is a player the Giants hoped would be ready for the assignment but he hasn’t practiced at all in training camp coming off ankle surgery.

Umenyiora update: DE Osi Umenyiora traveled to Atlanta for a second-opinion on his left knee and the determination is that he can begin practicing and does not need surgery. That means Umenyiora could participate in practice for the first time on Monday. Umenyiora has been locked in a bitter contract dispute, claiming the Giants promised him more money or a trade, neither of which has happened. He then said issues with his knee kept him off the field. With the second opinion in line with what the Giants medical staff has concluded, Umenyiora will have to be monitored and given rest but should be able to play through the knee issue.